23rd September 2025 – Stoke Park Estate, Bristol

It was definitely fresher this morning on my walk to the local park.

The annex to the main pond with the telecommunications tower on the hill at the back

The view away from Duchess Pond with the Dower House on the hill

My highlight was a jay, but I loved watching a sparrow hawk and a pair of buzzards testing each other out.

Jay

Jay in flight in front of Lady Elizabeth Somerset’s obelisk

Jay in flight – down beat
Jay in flight – up beat

Lady Elizabeth Somerset’s obelisk overlooking the whole park, the obelisk was erected in 1762. It was built by Thomas Paty. It bears a Latin inscription to the Duke of Beaufort’s niece, whose death it commemorates. She died when she fell from her horse here. It is listed Grade II

View from close to the monument
A delight for walkers and runners
Sparrowhawk

One of two common buzzards

The autumn colours are beginning to show and the berries on the trees look as though there will be plenty of food for many of the birds this winter.

The trees on the island beginning to show some colours of autumn

On Duchess Pond I briefly saw a little grebe (so cute but sadly no photograph) and as well as the mallards, coots and moorhens there was a grey heron and a tufted duck.

Grey heron flying over Duchess Pond

Grey heron landing next to the annex pond

Cattle looking enviously at the Duchess Pond

Moorhen straddling the lilies on Duchess Pond
Tufted duck on Duchess Pond

Moorhen and reflection

There are so many wood pigeons around at the moment

Small white butterfly and bindweed

Around the pond there were coal tits, greenfinch, goldfinch and chiffchaff but there is still too much cover for photographs.

I just can’t resist a few more photos of the jay:

Comments

8 responses to “23rd September 2025 – Stoke Park Estate, Bristol”

  1. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    Hi Martin, this looks like such a lush and green place. The pictures of the jay are lovely. I especially like the upbeat one 🧡

    Liked by 1 person

    1. martintayler Avatar

      Thanks, Robbie. Always nice to receive your feedback.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Bob Ramsak Avatar

    Love the jays and moorhens, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. martintayler Avatar

      Many thanks, Bob. Much appreciated.

      Like

  3. Michael Sammut Avatar
    Michael Sammut

    Great shots, especially the Jay in flight.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. martintayler Avatar

      Thanks, Michael. Nice light.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Michael Sammut Avatar
    Michael Sammut

    You’re welcome. The perfect light.

    Liked by 1 person

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